What do I say to get on a company's do-not-call list?

To a live sales caller: "Put this number on your company's do-not-call list. What is the company's name and a number where I can reach you?" Then hang up and log it.

What the rules say

The FTC: A consumer whose number is not on the national registry can still prohibit individual telemarketers from calling by asking to be put on the company's own do not call list. (FTC).

The FCC's rule says a company making sales calls must record the request and must honor a residential subscriber's do-not-call request within a reasonable time from the date such request is made. This period may not exceed ten (10) business days from the receipt of such request. It adds: A do-not-call request must be honored for 5 years from the time the request is made. The caller must also give you the name of the person or entity on whose behalf the call is being made, and a telephone number or address at which the person or entity may be contacted. (47 CFR 64.1200(d)).

These rules cover sales calls to personal numbers. Most sales calls to a business are exempt (FTC).

Recordings and calls that sound like scams

Do not talk to a recording. The FTC: If you answer one of these calls, hang up and report the call to the FTC. and Don't press buttons to be taken off a call list or to talk to a live person. (FTC).